Friday, March 30, 2012

#12 Green. Back left portion prone to ice and water
buildup due to topography.
(Taken March 26 / 2012)

This past week I kept busy chipping away at low lying areas of ice on the greens. Some areas are worse then I expected with almost 75mm (3 in) of ice. The worse ice accumulation I have ever had here. Pictured are some of the worst cases. Time will tell how they look once the area dries out and I'm able to pull back the tarps. Today marks the 91st day that we received a large amount of rain and the beginning of ice on the course. If you recall from my "Wacky Winter" post (Feb 21 / 2012), bentgrass can survive ice cover from 90 - 120 days and poa roughly 60 days. We have exceeded the poa threshold and quiet possibly the bentgrass threshold as well. I will update you soon on the condition of these areas on the greens.

﻿﻿ ﻿﻿
On a positive note, the weather has co-operated the past few days and I expect all 20 greens to be ice free by Sunday or Monday. Currently about half the greens are already clear. With warmer temps, it won't take long for the tarps to "work their magic" and break the turf from it's dormant state. Next week will be a busy one for me as I monitor green conditions and begin prepping the course for play. There is still a ton to do particularly cleaning the course of branches, burning around the dug out, #1 and 2 pond and the long area beside the driving range. The old putting green tree also needs to be bucked up and hauled away. I think Lance may also open the range either this weekend or very early next week?

#8 Green. Another low lying area prone to ice and water
accumualtion. This area had over 70mm (2.75 in) of ice.
(Taken March 30 / 2012)

Friday, March 23, 2012

#4 Green. Compare this picture with the one I took Mar 15
right after snow blowing.

The weather has co-operated fairly well this past week. Clear night skies has allowed temperatures to dip well below zero but we are still ahead from where we were last year at this time. The forecast for next week looks very favourable and I expect the greens to be ice free by the end of next week. The importance of surface drainage at this time can not be over stated enough.
﻿﻿﻿

#14 Green. Prior to snow blowing last week, this green
had 23cm (9 inches) of snow.

﻿﻿﻿ ﻿Over the next few weeks, we will be keeping a close eye on the greens and making sure to "push off" any standing water that may be present. Standing water on the greens which has the ability to re-freeze can lead to crown hydration and disease issues. ( See Feb 21 / 2012 Post)
At times like this, any sub-surface drainage that maybe present is not operational since the ground is frozen.
﻿

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Fortunately the weatherman was wrong yesterday with their Snow Fall Warning for Lac la Biche County. We received a light dusting but nothing too concerning. Today I cleared off Tees #2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17 & 18. The rest were either clear or had next to nothing on them. If things continue as they are, the driving range could be opened for the middle of next week. For sure by Saturday and Sunday (Mar. 31) if Lance is ready to start working weekends. The back 9 still has a solid 20cm of snow especially along the shaded tree lines. Exposing the greens and tees now will allow the turf to recover sooner then later. Lets hope for a constant melt and an early opening. My next post will show before and after pics of the melt we have been experiencing.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Yesterday I plowed all the cart paths so that we have full access to the golf course. Today I rented a Toro Dingo with 48inch snow blower attachment and I have to say I'm very impressed with this machine. The rubberized tracks provide plenty of grip and the diesel engine has enough grunt to throw the snow a long ways. The one downside is the drive and steering controls. It's very tiring for the thumbs and wrist but I'll suck it up for the efficiency it provides. In 5 hours I was able to blow off greens #2, 3, 4, 6, 9 and the nursery. If all goes well I will have the back 9 done by the end of tomorrow. This is the first time in my 10 years at the club that I have snow blowed the greens. With warm temps expected for the next few weeks, I thought it best to rid the greens of potential water (snow) and ice and let the greens breath a bit. As stated in my earlier post
( Feb 21/2012) ) I'm very concerned with the amount of ice that has blanketed the golf course this winter. It's been a winter unlike any I've ever seen.

Dingo in action on #4 Green

#4 Green done and cleaned down to ice. Ice is approx. 35mm

#3 Green. Keys are sitting on top of tarp. Notice ice in background
which is no longer clear in color like it was in January.

#3 Green. Our worst green for snow and ice build up.
The berm around this green drains and retains water
which makes no sense why it was built this way.
Before I snow blowed, there was 37cm (15 inches)
on the backside of this green.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

As promised from a few posts ago , I wanted to list all projects that are being addressed in the golf clubs capital plan. It is broken down into 10 years but the reality is it's very in depth and more like a 15 or 20 year plan. One thing for sure, it highlights all the issues plaguing the golf course and once addressed, elevates the standards of the golf course immensely. Here is the break down of the 10 year Capital Plan and a brief explanation of it's importance:

2011:Clear cut bush and trees behind #7 green down to #9 blue tee.
#8 is considered our signature hole since it has incredible views of the lake.
This view has become very limited due to brush and tree growth since the front
nine was built in 1989.

New 50 x 80 Maintenance Shop.
The existing maintenance shop (formally the original club house from
the 1950's) is much too small to satisfy our current needs. This includes
working on our growing fleet of equipment and accommodating staff.
IS PRIORITY FOR THE 2012 SEASON.

Green Bunkers #4, 8, 9 & 18.
The bunker sand that was used when the course was expanded in 1989 is
beach sand which is common in the area. The sand itself is not that bad
considering it was free. The issue is all the rocks which should have been
screened prior to delivery.

Fairway Drainage #2, 3, 4 & 9. Drainage is an issue all over the course. The back 9 is much higher in
elevation and in many areas flows across the front 9 and eventually
to the lake.

New 30 x 80 Cart Shed.Every other year we continue to add to our current Club Car fleet.
When I first arrived in 2003, we had 20 new carts. Today we have
over 50 and could use more.
COMPLETED

New 24 x 50 Maintenance Shop Roof.
As stated in my previous blog, the flat maintenance roof was in dire
need of replacement. Because the cinder block building itself is still
in excellent shape, a new roof would supply many years of service and
some much needed storage in the future.
COMPLETED

Tree Planting Front 9, 13 & 18 Fairway.
Lac la Biche resides in the Boreal Forest Zone which comprise of many
poplars and deciduous trees. My first year here I transplanted over
150 spruce trees though out the course. There are still many areas that
could use trees and not only help differentiate holes, but also provide
some protection from errant golf shots.

New Starter Shack.
During busy times it would be nice to welcome golfers and make sure they are
teeing off on the proper 9. Often times tourists will inadvertently head to #10
tee. Some members will also try to "sneak" onto the back if the course is busy.

2012: Pave Front 9 Cart Paths.
In 2010, we constructed brand new tee to green cart paths on the golf course.
We did over 4.3km and the beauty of doing this was during wet periods,
we could still allow carts to be used. At times we will use the 90 degree
rule or cart path only. It's nice having this option on the course. Cart paths
also direct golfers to the next hole so it's next to impossible to get lost.

Green Bunkers #10, 11, 12, 13 & 15.

Fairway Drainage #10, 11, 12 & 18.

Tree Planting Front 9.

Retaining Wall #2 Green.
The right side of #2 green drops off significantly down to the cart path and then
to the ditch (creek). By installing a retaining wall along the left side of the cart
path around the green, we would gain roughly 6 yards of flat surrounds.
This buffer would save a lot of golf balls that narrowly miss the green and end
up in an unplayable position.

2013: Pave Back 9 Cart Paths.

Green Bunkers #14, 16 & 17.

Fairway Drainage #13, 14, 15, 16, 17 & 18.

New 18 x 24 Fuel Shed.
Our existing fuel shed is in horrible shape and needs to be replaced.
It's showing signs of rot, is no longer level and leaning too much forward
and the tin on it is bent and full of holes. It also needs a containment
feature installed to house potential gas or diesel spills. Rain Shelters #3 & 12.
The course currently has 2 rain shelters (#6 & 15 Tee) and the addition
of 2 more would be welcomed attractions. These shelters provide
protection from sun, wind, rain and serve for a hang out area while
waiting for golfers playing on the next hole.

Redo Wash Bay.
The addition of a re-vamped wash bay is needed on the course. The process
should be 2-staged. Stage-1 should be a compressed air station where the bulk
of grass clippings is removed from the mowers. Stage-2 is a wash area to
clean off grass residue which is acidic in nature and wreaks havoc on
reel blades. This process would eliminate the smell associated with
decomposing wet clippings and make for easier clean up.

2014: Upgrade Fertilizer & Chemical Storage Building.
The current fertilizer and chemical storage building is very sound and has a
proper all steel floor. It does however need proper containment around it
to stop potential run off from a spill. It also requires proper venting. Upgrade Pump House & Building.
Over the last 23 years, the pump house has settled and shifted a lot. This can
be attributed to where it was built (over hanging the dug out) and the fact that
before the soft start system was installed last year, the starting of the pumps
was very aggressive and created "mini quakes" to the foundation. The routing
of the pipe exiting the pump house also needs to be re-done.

Redo #1 & 2 Pond.
Not only are these ponds too shallow and prone to aquatic weed and algae
infestation, they leak very badly and need to be constantly filled by the
irrigation system. The ponds need to be re-dredged, deepened and then
clay capped to retain all its water. The addition of fountains would also
help aesthetically and keep algae at a minimum.

Redo Benches at all Tees.
9 years ago, Job Core built and donated the current benches to the club.
They have held up fairly well over the years but because they were built
with non-treated wood, they are starting to rot and need a lot of work.
New benches built from composite materials (re-cycled plastic) would
last much longer while retaining its new look.

Rebuild Par 3 Tees.
The "island" tee boxes particularly on the whites are far too small and take a
beating through out the year. Constant sand and seed divot repair work occurs
on a regular basis and it's still not enough. With the increase in rounds over
the past 5 years. these tee boxes need to be 3 to 4 times the size they are now.
This will allow divots to repair properly and vary the width and distances
to the hole which provides a lot more variety.

Audubon Certification.The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses is an award winning education and certification program that helps golf courses protect our environment and preserve the natural heritage of the game of golf. By helping people enhance the valuable natural areas and wildlife habitats that golf courses provide, improve efficiency, and minimize potentially harmful impacts of golf course operations, the program serves as vital resource for golf courses. I will get into greater detail in a future post regarding the certification process.

2015: Club House Expansion & Kitchen Upgrades.
The club has seen an increase of green fee players and tournaments over the
years. By moving the pro shop downstairs this winter (2011-12) and
enlarging the restaurant seating area; this should help alleviate some
crowding issues. The kitchen needs to be upgraded and expanded to
service our guests more efficiently. Rebuild Tees #3, 4, 11 & 17.
Like the par 3 tees, these are too small and need to be levelled correctly
to account for the settling that has occurred when they were originally built.

New Fairway Bunkers #1, 3, 6 & 9.
The golf course for whatever reason was constructed with only 1 fairway
bunker (#4). I think this was done purposely because the back 9 is very
narrow and surrounded by a lot of unplayable bush. The addition of fairway
bunkers on the front and back 9 would help catch balls before they roll into
the bush. I'd sooner have a long bunker shot into a green instead of
"bush whacking" and hopeing I even find my ball. Speed of play would
also increase with new fairway bunkers.

2016: Redo Club House Roof.
The asphalt shingles on the roof are in the early stages of drying out and
curling up. Heavy winds also reek havoc on the shingles. I think a tin
roof would look better and last much longer then asphalt shingles.

Rebuild Tees #5, 7, 9 & 18.

New Fairway Bunkers #11, 13 & 16.

New Tee Signs.
With all the new design features implemented on the golf course over the
years, it's time to up date our tee signs. Cart paths, tees, bunkers and ponds
have changed and need to be included with new tee signs.

2017: Construct New Chipping Green and Practise Bunker.
Would aid in the over all membership / guest experience for the club.
Would also help especially when we host tournaments. Construct New Driving Range Fence.
Relates to my July 27 / 2011 post. Is not only a safety issue but would
cut down greatly on "lost" range balls.

Construct New Driving Range Tee.
Relates to my July 27 / 2011 post. The 3 tiered driving range tee is much too
small and should be moved closer to #8 blue tee to better align the golfers to
the range. It needs to be elevated with one level and the addition of mats
should be considered especially during wet periods and when divots need
time to fill in.

2018: New Pump House & Vertical Pump Upgrade.
The original pumps and motors are not powerful enough to run our irrigation
system efficiently. Rated at only 600 GPM means longer run times to irrigate
the course. In fact, half the fairways can only be watered at night while the
other half gets water the following night. Not very productive at all especially
during the heat of summer. A 1200 GPM system is the minimum we should
have with 1600 GPM being optimum especially as future expansion occurs.

Redo Decking @ Club House.
With breathtaking views of the golf course and lake from the club house deck,
traffic and the elements has rendered the decking too slick and hazardous for
the public. Composite decking would be a lot more practical and last
many years longer.

2019: New Irrigation Controls and Satellite Upgrades.
The current Rainbird Vari-Time satellite controls are outdated and their
"pin setup" is considered old school and not efficient. Compounding the
problem is they are unrepairable and are no longer available to purchase.
Digital controllers are much more efficient and the norm.

2020: Rebuild Greens #1, 2 & 7.
Not only are these greens small (the largest is #1 at 4200 square feet), the false
fronts of these greens reek havoc on any ball the lands short. Any red pin here
is considered tough since the topography of the green can see balls continually
rolling off. These 3 greens are the main reason I keep green speeds under
10 on the stimpmeter. Any higher and frustration levels would be too high.
Pin placements are also very limited on these greens.

As you can see, the 10 Year Capital Plan is very in depth and comprehensive. As the years progress, certain projects could be added or deleted depending on our needs at the time. By addressing all of the above, the aesthetics and play ability of the course would propel the club to one of the best in the province. We can thank Lac la Biche County for seeing the golf course as a huge asset to the area and making the commitment to provide a memorable golfing experience at an affordable price.

Tuesday, March 06, 2012

I found an interesting video put out by the GCSAA addressing what a stimpmeter is and what it actually measures. It seems members, particularly low handicaps want lightning fast greens. The reality is most golfers (15 cap and higher) would have a hard time controlling putts on these greens. The majority of our members and golf clubs else where have golfers that fall into this category. Another limiting factor for lightning fast green speeds is the topography of the greens. Our greens being small with false fronts would not bode well for super fast stimpmeter readings. Think about #1, 2, 5 and 7 green for example. During July and August you can expect green speeds at our golf course to run around 10 and rarely higher.
Enjoy the video.